Time might heal all wounds, as the saying goes, but it can also result in antiquation for automobiles that haven’t kept up with the times. To some degree that applies to the Toyota 4Runner.
Hard to believe it's been 40-plus years since Toyota introduced the utility vehicle to North America. For 2025, the sixth-generation 4Runner receives its first major makeover since the 2010 model year.
The rugged off-roader might be new, but Toyota has maintained the same general appearance ascribed to the previous edition, including the familiar-shaped grille and squared-off protruding fenders. The tailgate with its roll-down window comes with redesigned taillights.
One significant difference is the 4Runner now uses the same boxed ladder-frame chassis as the Toyota’s midsize Tacoma pickup. Consequently, there’s a 13-centimetre gain in length and a five-centimetre in width and in distance between the front and rear wheels.
There’s also more cargo and passenger space, including a bit more legroom for those seated in the available third row. However, those gains are negated with the new 4Runner i-Force Max Hybrid due to the space consumed by the battery pack. For that reason, there’s no third-row option for that model.
Interestingly the 4Runner’s dimensions closely match the equally muscular-looking Toyota Land Cruiser’s, other than height, where the latter holds a significant advantage. The new 4Runner has a 6,000-pound (2,725-kilogram) maximum towing capacity, which is 1,000 pounds (455 kilograms) greater than the previous generation.
The dashboard contains a 12.3-inch driver’s digital gauge display alongside an 8.0- or optional 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A phone charging pad is positioned ahead of the shift lever.
For 2025 the 4Runner surrenders its 4.0-litre V-6 with 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque along with a five-speed automatic transmission. In their place are a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet. It uses an eight-speed automatic.
The new i-Force Max Hybrid models add a 48-horsepower electric motor located within the eight-speed automatic. Along with the turbo 2.4-litre I-4 the system produces a combined 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet. This is the same power system – including a 1.87-kilowatt-hour battery pack – employed in the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Four-wheel-drive is standard with all 4Runner trims.
Non-hybrid fuel economy is rated at 12.4 l/100 km city, 9.6 l/100 km highway and 11.2 l/100 km combined. The more potent hybrid betters those numbers at 10.3/9.5/9.9.
4Runner pricing starts at $57,850 for the base SR5, which is one of nine trims. The standard equipment list includes a power liftgate, eight-speaker audio system, and 17-inch wheels.
For heading into the rough, selecting the all-wheel-drive TRD Off-Road trim ($67,350) gets you a multi-terrain select system that includes crawl control (maintains a set speed when descending steep inclines), protective underbody skid plates and 18-inch black-painted wheels.
At $67,350 the TRD Off-Road Premium is the starting point for the 4Runner Hybrid power system. It also comes standard on the remaining five top trims, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
With the latter you get additional transfer case and fuel tank skid plates, unique front grille and ARB-brand roof rack, 18-inch bronze wheels, separate Rigid Industries-brand amber fog lights heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, reclining second-row seats and digital rearview mirror.
All 4Runners are fitted with Toyota’s latest Safety Sense 3.0 active driver assist package that includes dynamic cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist and automatic high beams. Front and rear parking assist with pedestrian detection are included only on the upper trim levels, as is head-up driver’s information display.
The long-overdue changes in style, content plus enhanced performance should attract utility vehicle buyers, especially to Toyota’s legendary off-road-capable brand. Adding a hybrid option with increased output plus improved fuel efficiency should further increase the 4Runner’s appeal.
